Winter is a time for snuggling inside, drinking hot chocolate, and getting cozy by the fire – basically, you get to hibernate for four months. While there are some fun aspects to cooler temperatures, the effects it can have on your skin isn’t one of them. And the extreme dryness and severe cold temperatures can really wreak havoc. However, there are some precautions you can take if you want to protect your epidermal layer this winter season. Your skin is your largest organ, so protect it with these tips:
Stay Hydrated
Easy enough, right? But it’s not as simple as the eight-cups-a-day your mom or dad might have told you growing up. Scientists now agree eight cups a day isn’t necessarily the right amount – your water and fluid intake depend on your general health, age, and activity level.
Another item to keep in mind is to make sure that you are hydrating yourself from the inside out. And don’t just drink water – you should also focus on consuming hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon and cucumber.
Use a colorful, cute water bottle to help remind yourself to drink. Or invest in an app that sends you notifications to drink more water. My Water Balance, for example, tracks your water intake – and it even takes away from your total amount when you drink alcohol.
You can also enjoy a more interactive experience with an app like Plant Nanny where virtual “you” is a plant. The more water you drink, the more your plant avatar will thrive! Be warned though, if you don’t drink enough water, your plant will die – if that’s too much pressure, choose something else.
Protect Yourself at Home
Sure, it’s cold and you should turn your heater on when you’re uncomfortably cold in your own house. However, don’t turn up the heat too high because it can over-dry your skin leaving you itchy. Consider investing in a humidifier if you find that your skin is getting dry at home.
Be Careful with Layers
Take care to choose only gentle fabrics when you’re getting dressed in the morning – avoid textiles like scratchy wool which can irritate your skin. Smooth, comfortable fabrics like cashmere are a much better choice.
Pay Attention to Your Cleansers
If you’re wondering how to get rid of the redness on your face, you might want to look at the ingredients on the cleanser you’re using every day.
For your face, we recommend Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or the OY-L face wash which are both cleansers that stick to basic ingredients. It’s important to choose natural, less harsh cleansing ingredients like lavender, chamomile, aloe, and honey.
In addition, you should choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergents if you find yourself getting uncomfortable after you put on clothes when after you clean them.
If you are big lover of hair & skin care products then check out our recent article on this topic “Skin & Hair Care Brands in Market: VLCC & Dr.Batra”.
Exercise Smart
Wear adequate clothing to protect yourself from the elements. This could mean a face mask if you’re facing severe wind, for example. UV-blocking materials and gloves are also good ideas. You want to avoid frostbite by wearing adequate layers.
Put Lotion on After You Shower
After being in a hot shower, your skin might be parched from the hot water temperatures combined with the dry air post-shower. Trap in this essential moisture by applying adequate amounts of lotion after you towel off. Again, try to stick to lotions with more natural, calming ingredients.
And don’t forget about your hands which can often suffer the most from dry, cold conditions. Make sure to follow your handwashing with a hand moisturizer to keep the skin supple and flexible.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Sunscreen is important despite cold temperatures. In fact, if you live in a snowy environment, the sun’s rays can be even more intense because it’s reflecting off all the white surfaces. So, make sure you apply sunblock every day to avoid sunburn. And don’t forget to get chapstick with SPF to protect your lips, as well!
Wintry Conditions Doesn’t Have to Mean Angry Skin
So remember, before you head to that holiday party or get ready for your morning run despite the blizzard outside, take the time to protect your skin. Wear appropriate layers, put on gentle lotion, and drink water – your skin will be happier for it!